Ukraine Accuses Russia of Hindering Agricultural Exports, Cites Attacks on Ships

Ukraine has accused Russia of actively obstructing its agricultural exports by increasingly targeting cargo ships utilizing Ukrainian ports. This escalation comes as both nations intensify their strikes in the Black Sea region.

“

Russia is holding global food security hostage. At least three civilian cargo ships have been bombed in recent days by Russia. Several dozen crew members have been killed or injured.

Andriy Sybiga, Ukraine's top diplomat, stated on X that Russia is holding global food security hostage. He reported that at least three civilian cargo ships have been bombed in recent days, resulting in dozens of killed or injured crew members. Sybiga noted that currently, no ships are using the Ukrainian maritime corridor in the Black Sea, despite the ongoing harvest season.

In response, Ukraine has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the situation, scheduled for July 27. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also reported a 37% rise in civilian deaths and injuries in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine during the first half of this year. The mission recorded 1,396 civilians killed and 7,978 injured across both countries.

“

Today, no ship has used the Ukrainian maritime corridor of the Black Sea, while the harvest is in full swing.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a call with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to "re-energize diplomacy" in seeking a resolution to the war. Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced he would meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Philippines on Thursday. Lavrov described the meeting as potentially useful for asking questions and receiving answers, and it is expected to focus on the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

“

This meeting will be useful in any case. It is better to ask questions and get answers.